An alarm sounds as you walk near the Testing Labs. The safe thing would be to find the nearest shelter room.
Level: 19
Start: Shinji Kinsaka, Decommissioned Area, Cape Verde Stronghold
Introduction
As you walk near the Testing Labs, an alarm suddenly blares out.
PA System: Warning! An unknown contaminant has been released. Please follow the safety lights to your nearest shelter room. This is not a drill!
As your CORETECHS transcribes the message, it uses bright green arrows to direct you towards a small room temporarily labelled "Hazard Shelter". You make your way inside and notice two other people are already there. One of them is wearing a lab coat and taking notes on his pad; the other looks like a security guard pacing the length of the room.
The heavy door automatically locks behind you with a loud thud, making the young man in a lab coat jump.
You have accepted the "Down With the Sickness" mission.
- Walk in silently.
- "Sorry, didn't realise the door would slam like that…"
- "Hello again, Shinji." (only if you've done the Side Job "Lab Waste Handler")
Silently:
You walk into the room silently as the man shakes his head. Your CORETECHS informs you he's a scientist called Shinji Kinsaka, and the security guard is Courtney Powell. Courtney gives you a small smile.
Courtney says: First Cape Verde lockdown, eh? They can be a little bit stressful, but we'll be fine. Nice to meet you, <name>.
"Sorry":
Me: Sorry, didn't realise the door would slam like that…
The man shakes his head and goes back to what he was doing. Your CORETECHS informs you that he's a researcher called Shinji Kinsaka, and the security guard is Courtney Powell. Courtney gives you a small smile.
Courtney says: First Cape Verde lockdown, eh? They can be a little bit stressful, but we'll be fine. Nice to meet you, <name>.
Hello:
Me: "Hello again, Shinji."
It takes him a second to remember who you are. The security guard your CORETECHS labels as Courtney Powell looks curiously between the two of you.
Shinji says: Ah, yes, you helped me with the biological waste disposal. Hello, <name>.
Courtney says: That's more words than I've gotten out of him so far! Nice to meet you, <name>.
All choices continues:
- Nod in acknowledgement.
- "Not the best of places to meet."
- "Nice to meet you, too."
Nod:
You nod in acknowledgement, then find a free seat. Courtney does a few stretches while Shinji interacts with his CORETECHS.
Courtney says: We could be here for a while, depending on what triggered the alarm, so let's try to stay positive. …Anyway, I was telling Shinji that I nipped over from Security as soon as I saw the alert. Didn't quite make it to the ruins, so I'm waiting this out before I go help.
"Not the best":
Me: Not the best of places to meet.
Courtney says: True, but no the worst either! We could be here for a while, depending on what triggered the alarm, so let's try to stay positive.
She stretches and gives you a small smile while Shinji interacts with his CORETECHS.
Courtney says: I was telling Shinji that I nipped over from Security as soon as I saw the alert. Didn't quite make it to the ruins, so I'm waiting this out before I go help.
"Nice to meet":
Me: Nice to meet you, too.
You find a free seat and settle in. Courtney does a few stretches while Shinji interacts with his CORETECHS.
Courtney says: We could be here for a while, depending on what triggered the alarm, so let's try to stay positive. …Anyway, I was telling Shinji that I nipped over from Security as soon as I saw the alert. Didn't quite make it to the ruins, so I'm waiting this out before I go help.
All choices continue:
Shinji says: …And I was telling her that's irresponsible. If you're assigned to an area, surely you shouldn't leave it just because you're bored?
Their animosity permeates the small, windowless room, making the atmosphere stifling.
Courtney says: We have more than enough people at the Security front desk, I don't need to be there right now.
Shinji says: No, you're right, this is the place you need to be.
Courtney crosses her arms and shrugs.
- "I'm sure Courtney knows what she's doing."
- Try to lighten the atmosphere.
- "Shinji's right, coming here wasn't the best idea."
"Courtney knows":
Me: I'm sure Courtney knows what she's doing.
Courtney says: That's right! I wasn't assigned to the ruins, but I know I can be of more help there. Besides, it was almost the end of my shift.
Courtney smiles at Shinji. Eventually his shoulders drop and the light of his CORETECHS fades.
Shinji says: I, er… I apologise. I was actually in the middle of an experiment, so this lockdown is very badly timed. If I'm not back within the next segment I might lose half a cycle worth of preparation, just because of this incident. So much preparation, so many samples, all down the drain… It's not the first time this has happened, but even so…
Try to lighten:
Me: Come on, there's no need to fight. We can be friendly while we're stuck together, right?
Courtney says: …You're right. Things are a bit tense, but we should try to get along. …Sorry.
Courtney offers Shinji her hand. At first he doesn't react, but soon the light of his CORETECHS fades and he shakes her hand.
Shinji says: I, er… I should be the one to apologise. I was actually in the middle of an experiment, so this lockdown is very badly timed. If I'm not back within the next segment I might lose half a cycle worth of preparation, just because of this incident. So much preparation, so many samples, all down the drain… It's not the first time this has happened, but it's still…
"Shinji's right":
Me: Shinji's right, coming here wasn't the best idea.
Courtney says: Maybe not, but my shift was almost over. No one can tell me what to do with my free time, right?
Courtney smiles at you both. Eventually Shinji's shoulders drop and the light of his CORETECHS fades.
Shinji says: No, I suppose not. I, er… I apologise. I was actually in the middle of an experiment, so this lockdown is very badly timed. If I'm not back within the next segment I might lose half a cycle worth of preparation, just because of this incident. So much preparation, so many samples, all down the drain… It's not the first time this has happened, but even so…
All choices continue:
Shinji's frustration is evident – his words trail off as his voice threatens to break. Courtney sits back down quietly.
- Wait in silence.
The three of you wait in silence for a while. Shinji focuses on his pad, occasionally mumbling to himself, while Courtney impatiently taps her foot. Eventually, the door opens with a loud groaning sound.
PA System: Thank you for your patience. The source of the unknown particles in the ruins has been contained, and the surrounding areas deemed safe. Please vacate the shelter.
Shinji says: Finally! If I run, I can start the incubation in time…
Shinji dashes off as soon as the door is open. Courtney smiles as you both leave the room.
Courtney says: Hope he makes it in time. You know, I've been here for cycles and I hadn't even thought of what happens when you're interrupted mid-experiment. …Wait, slow down Nao, what's going on?
Courtney motions for you to wait as she takes the call… although it doesn't last very long. Courtney looks worried.
Courtney says: Listen, <name>, I've got a security alert in the ruins, so I need to go, but my friend Naomi says there's a bunch of people trapped in the gym. Can you go help her? Security is spread thin, and technically it's not an emergency, so we won't be able to help her for a while. Please, could you go?
She looks at you pleadingly before leaving.
Help Naomi in the Cape Verde Gym.
Next NPC: Naomi Mitchell, Gym, Cape Verde Stronghold
- "Naomi? Courtney said you needed help."
Me: Naomi? Courtney said you needed help
Naomi is trying to open a large door by herself. Her grip slips, she swears, and looks back at you.
Naomi says: What? Oh, yes, I could use a hand. The automatic security system locks all gym doors when there's an emergency, and supposedly unlocks them afterwards… But the locker room door seems to be stuck, and there are people inside.
As she speaks, she bangs on the door, and someone on the other side bangs back. She sighs, then waves dismissively at a small panel next to the door, which shows a large ERROR message.
Naomi says: If you're good with technology, you might be able to unlock it. Otherwise, help me pull.
- Digitally unlock the door.
- Help Naomi pull the door open.
Digitally unlock:
(Intelligence check)
Failure
You try to unlock the door, but can't figure out how to get it out of emergency lockdown mode.
Success
You reset the emergency lock, which seems to do the trick. With a hiss the door opens and six people pour out, each looking more releaved than the next. They thank you both before leaving the gym.
Pull open:
(Strength check)
Success
Between you and Naomi you manage to inch the door open, then pull it all the way. Six people pour out of the changing room, each looking more releaved than the next. They thank you both before leaving the gym.
Either choice continues:
Naomi says: Thanks <name>. I'm not sure what happened… But I'm not surprised, you know? Between the flares and lockdowns, there's always some kind of disruption. I know it's for safety reasons, but it makes you feel like you're adrift. Your life gets tossed around by forces larger than you, and suddenly you find yourself locked with five other half-naked people…
She tuts and points at the news on a large wall screen. The lockdown is briefly mentioned before the anchor dives into the latest scientific conference, visiting researchers and solar flare schedules.
- Incoming message - check your CORETECHS.
As you watch the news, you receive a message on your CORETECHS from Courtney. She says things are starting to go back to normal, but she can't get a hold of Shinji. He could be ignoring her, but maybe something happened? She would go herself, but other people need her help right now.
Naomi says: Things are under control here, <name>. Why don't you head off? I'll tell Courtney you were a great help.
Find Shinji in the testing rooms (D-com Area).
Next area: Decommissioned Area, Cape Verde Stronghold
- Look for Shinji
Despite the secretiveness of Shinji's research, the location of his lab isn't hidden… But you must have taken a wrong turn somewhere, as you accidentally trigger an alarm.
PA System: Warning, unauthorised personnel entering the containment area! Remain where you are and await Security. I repeat…
Your CORETECHS shows you red crosses over any potential escape routes, along with large warning signs. You can hear footsteps approaching.
- Wait for security.
- Run!
Wait:
You decide to wait for security. Soon an officer arrives, greeting you with a curt nod and the business-end of his weapon.
Run:
(Stamina check)
You run, ignoring the bright red warning signs in front of you. Eventually you stop hearing the footsteps behind you… only for another security officer to appear right in front of you, and the gate behind you close. He points his weapon at you as he opens his CORETECHS, looking extremely unimpressed.
The officer says: Another one for the brig… If we had a daily quota, I'd be smashing it today. Now, just stand there while I make a quick call, will you?
If you waited:
- Stay silent.
- "I'm sorry, I just got lost…"
If you ran:
- Stay silent.
- "Maybe it's worth a few Credits not to call this in?"
"I got lost":
Me: I'm sorry, I just got lost.
His scowl softens a bit as he looks you up and down.
The officer says: Happens all the time, but the rules are here for a reason. Keep it down for a second. …Yep, got another one. Trespassing. …Just looks lost, from what I can tell. The testing labs. …Right.
He puts his weapon away as the CORETECHS glow in his eyes fades.
The officer says: Turns out the brig is full today, so I'll be issuing you a fine instead. Go to the brig and pay – your name will be flagged by the Consortium until you do. And try to keep a closer eye on the warning signs while you're in the labs, will you?
He waits for your assent before leaving.
"Maybe it's worth a few":
Me: Maybe it's worth a few Credits not to call this in?
He seems to ignore you and activates his CORETECHS instead.
The officer says: …Yep, got another one. Trespassing. …Seriously?
He blurts out a deep, hearty laugh. After he's calmed down, he puts his weapon away and stares you down.
The officer says: In a blind stroke of luck, <name>, the brig is full today. So here's what we're going to do – I'm issuing you a fine and you're gonna go to the station and pay it. I would escort you there myself, but we have another breach already, so you'll have to use your own little legs. Oh, and don't even think of ignoring it, your name's flagged by the Consortium until you do. Do you understand… <name>?
He barely waits for your assent before unlocking the security doors.
Stay silent (if you ran):
You wait quietly as he activates his CORETECHS.
The officer says: …Yep, got another one. Trespassing. …Seriously?
He blurts out a deep, hearty laugh. After he's calmed down, he puts his weapon away and stares you down.
The officer says: In a blind stroke of luck, <name> the brig is full today. So here's what we're going to do – I'm issuing you a fine and you're gonna go to the station and pay it. I would escort you there myself, but we have another breach already, so you'll have to use your own little legs. Oh, and don't even think of ignoring it, your name's flagged by the Consortium until you do. Do you understand… <name>?
He barely waits for your assent before unlocking the security doors.
Stay silent (if you waited):
You wait quietly.
The officer says: Yep, got another one. Trespassing. …Just looks lost, from what I can tell. The testing labs. …Right.
He puts his weapon away as the CORETECHS glow in his eyes fades.
The officer says: Turns out the brig is full today, so I'll be issuing you a fine instead. Go to the brig and pay – I would escort you myself, but we have another breach already, so you'll have to use your own little legs. Oh, and don't even think of ignoring it, your name's flagged by the Consortium until you do. Do you understand… <name>?
He barely waits for your assent before leaving.
Head to the brig in Cape Verde to pay your fine.
Next area: Brig, Cape Verde Stronghold
- Pay your fine.
The Cape Verde lock-up is bustling with activity as you walk in. A large, communal cell houses dozens of people, most of whom seem quite relaxed, given their situation. As soon as you mention paying a fine, a tired-looking officer points you at a queue.
In front of you is a man who stands out from the rest - he's wearing a tattered jump suit, his hair is grey and dishevelled, and he's looking at you with a wide grin.
Next NPC: Po Finney, Brig, Cape Verde Stronghold
- Chat with Po Finney.
You make eye contact, and he takes that as a sign that you're up for talking. Everyone else seems to be ignoring him.
Po says: Yer not lookin' too worried - small infraction, is it? Mine too. Picked up a strange ol' thing, back in the ruins. Everythin's strange there, but this one more'n that. As strange as yer many arms…
As he talks, his eyes seem to focus somewhere behind you. You turn around to check, but see nothing out of the ordinary.
Po says: Sorry, must'ave been seein' things. I was sayin' that I found more than scrap metal today, but my equipment warned me somethin' was off. The Mesh notified these officers 'ere, and they wanted to lock me up fer finding an artefact that endangered Verde. Well, they changed their tune when nothin' happened, and scans said I were normal, so it's jest payin' a fine now. Jest a fine. Jest fine…
- "It was just a close call, then?"
- "Are you feeling alright?"
- "Glad to hear it."
"Feeling alright":
Me: Are you feeling alright?
Po says: Completely fine, spick-and-span! It's you, Sers, who are lookin'… not okay. But I en't one to judge!
Close call:
Me: It was just a close call, then?
Po says: So they say! I salvage from the Ruins, y'see, so this sorta thing happens every tenday. I'd be more worried about ye, Sers, lookin' so strange… Ah, but I en't one to judge!
Glad:
Me: Glad to hear it.
Po says: Thank ye! I salvage from the Ruins, so this sorta thing happens every tenday. Maybe ye Sers should get looked at, though. Ye seem mighty strange… Ah, but I en't one to judge!
All choices continue:
One or two people are now looking at Po strangely, so he mimes zipping up his lips and keeps quiet. Soon it's his turn at the front desk, then yours.
The security officer says: Let's see, <name>, <name>… Trespassing on a second-tier safety level, first offence in Cape Verde. Let me calculate your fine…
- "Are you sure you wouldn't rather pocket the Credits yourself?" (if wallet has at least 120 cr)
- Let them work.
Let them work:
They tap a few buttons on a console, then consult their pad.
The security officer says: You're lucky the lockdown filled up our cells, otherwise you'd be standing with them, trading stories. Not interesting stories, mind you – one person forgot to update their ID and ended up trespassing like you, another didn't log their after-work hours, which put them in breach of fire safety regulations… You know how it is. Alright, that'll be 100 Credits, Ser. The payment will be taken automatically, so you're free to go!
You have given 100.00 credits.
On your way out, you notice Po is still around. He's standing next to an empty seat, chatting as though someone were there.
Your thoughts are interrupted as a notification pops up on your CORETECHS - it's Courtney.
- Take the call.
You take the call. Wherever Courtney is, it sounds as busy as the Brig.
Courtney says: I'm so sorry, <name>! I just saw your name pop up in the Security logs… I shouldn't have sent you to find Shinji. He was too busy with his experiment to respond, and when he did, all he said was 'We're not friends'. 'We're not friends'? What is he, twelve cycles old?
As Courtney tuts, Po waves at the chair's invisible occupant and leaves the brig.
Courtney says: Naomi said you helped free everyone in the gym. I'm glad you were there…
Courtney continues talking, but your mind is elsewhere – you feel slightly tired, your eyes unfocus, and all of a sudden, someone appears on the once-empty chair. Their features aren't distinct, as though five different people were overlapping in the same space. Dark hair cuts into light eyebrows, blue eyes merge with black and brown, pupils narrow, widen then vanish…
Courtney says: Sorry <name>, you've had a long day, I'll leave you to it. Take care!
Her voice seems to snap you out of it. With the strange figure gone you feel normal again, though a slight sense of foreboding remains. Before you have time to process what happened, an officer asks you to leave the crowded lock-up.
You've seen something strange, but you're not sure what to make of it. You could get some air around Cape Verde, try to find Po in the ruins, or go to the Sick Bay.
Next area: Clones, Cape Verde Stronghold
OR
Next area: Gym, Cape Verde Stronghold
OR
Next area: Market, Cape Verde Stronghold
OR
Next area: Inn, Cape Verde Stronghold
- Take some time for yourself.
OR
Next NPC: Po Finney, Ruins, Cape Verde Stronghold
- Catch his attention.
OR
Next area: Sick Bay, Cape Verde Stronghold
- Talk to the android receptionist.
Inn:
You sit and take some time for yourself, opting to people-watch at the Downtime District. Your eyes linger on a Patrician laughing at the bar, an old trio playfully bickering at a table, a strange person approaching you…
It's the figure from before, the one sitting in the brig. They attempt to talk, but with five sets of lips and five tongues, your head can't process the harmonies, the echoes, the dissonance…
Po:
You think you spot Po in the distance, so you try to catch his eye… but as he turns, you realise it's actually the strange, shifting figure. They attempt to talk, but with five sets of lips and five tongues, your head can't process the harmonies, the echoes, the dissonance…
All choices continue:
A message from your CORETECHS snaps you out of it. "Warning! Your heart rate is rapidly increasing and your stress response activated. Please discontinue your current activity and head to the nearest Sick Bay - the Health & Wellbeing Center in Cape Verde."
Once more, you find yourself staring at empty space, but feeling better. However, the warning remains, urging you to get medical assistance.
Go to sick bay (Health & Wellbeing Center)
Next area: Sick Bay, Cape Verde Stronghold
- Find someone who can help you.
You try to explain the warning from your CORETECHS, along with the strange entity you're seeing. An android receptionist put you on the high priority list, and soon you're in a separate room, talking to a doctor.
The doctor says: Thank you for waiting, ser. Our system has looked at your readouts and everything seems normal. Your increased heart rate and tension can come from something psychological – disturbing events, or even the memory of them.
Her voice is so soothing, you almost don't notice the needle pricking your skin. A drop of blood ends up in a microscope slide, the rest in a small tube.
The doctor says: If it weren't for this strange entity you've seen, I would recommend a day's rest, breathing exercises, perhaps counselling or mild drugs to improve your mental well-being. However, since you're still in distress and there's no evidence of this person you saw, I'm taking some additional samples, just to be safe.
She gently scrapes the inside of your cheek with a small tool, and deposits the tool's tip in a vial. An android comes into the room and collects your samples for analysis.
The doctor says: In the meantime, talk me through what happened, <name>.
- "I'm not sure who, or what, I saw…"
- "I saw multiple people in one place, like a glitch."
- "One was five, five were one, in concert and in discord…"
"I saw multiple people":
Me: I saw…
One was five:
Me: One was…
All choices continue:
Before you can finish your sentence, you spot five pairs of arms – short, long, freckled, hairy – all coming from behind the doctor as if she were some kind of humanoid spider, or a being whose reach extends throughout the galaxy…
The doctor says: <name>? Your vital signs have spiked again. Are you seeing something right now?
All you can do is nod wordlessly.
The doctor says: It's alright, you're safe here, from whatever you're seeing. Let me have a look at your results so far. Something will shed light on what's happening to you…
You watch her scroll through her pad, nodding all the while… until she stops.
- "What is it, Doctor?"
Me: What is it, Doctor?
The doctor says: Biologically, there's nothing wrong with you, which is what I expected. Your CORETECHS is always monitoring you, and our medical examination systems are very sophisticated, so we would catch it right away. But whatever's happening to you is not biological, it's some thing else. Mechanical, digital, maybe technical… Ah, sorry, you don't need to know the details, not when you're still so shaky.
She gives you a glass of water to drink. When you're done, she continues explaining in a soft voice.
The doctor says: There's no need to worry, <name>. These last few tests will take a few segments to run, but they'll give us more data to go on. If it's not biological, it might not be my area of expertise, but there's bound to be someone in Cape Verde who knows – we have some of the best scientific minds here. Do you know anyone who might be able to help you?
- "What do you mean?"
Me: What do you mean?
The doctor says: It might be nice to have someone with you when you get your results. [Jada Perez is an expert in cell microscopy, so she could help interpret your results when we have them. Besides, she's on paperwork duty after a certain… conference-related sanction. I'm sure she'd be happy to do something useful.] OR [Jacinta Kunig is used to dealing with unusual cloning defects, given her line of work, so she could help interpret your results when we have them.] Otherwise, hm… I think Shinji Kinsaki works on the cell-machine interface, but his work is classified, so I don't know much about it. Don't feel that you have to, though – you can wait here on your own if you prefer. I just thought you might want someone here with you when you get your results…
She chuckles a bit to herself.
- "I'd rather wait for the results alone."
- "Call Shinji Kinsaki."
- "Try Jada Perez." (if offered)
- "Try Jacinta Kunig." (if offered)
Jada Perez:
Me: Try Jada Perez.
The doctor says: Of course. I'll come back when your results are in, alright?
She kindly taps your shoulder on her way out of the room. There isn't much to do, other than watching the screens, each scrolling through medical advice, much of it tailored to researchers and the safety of their experiments. Suddenly, someone bursts through the door.
Jada says: <name>… I came as soon as I could. Are you really seeing things? How did this happen?
You try to explain, but you don't have all the answers. She sits down, a weary look in her eyes.
Jada says: It's just one thing after another here in Cape Verde, isn't it? I wish I could keep more people safe, but I can barely help the kids around me. Well, I'll be here when you get your results. That's something I can do!
You chat for a little bit, and soon the doctor arrives.
Jacinta Kunig:
Me: Try Jacinta Kunig.
The doctor says: Of course. I'll come back when your results are in, alright?
She kindly taps your shoulder on her way out of the room. There isn't much to do, other than watching the screens, each scrolling through medical advice, much of it tailored to researchers and the safety of their experiments. You hear a knock at the door, and Jacinta comes in before you can answer.
Jacinta says: What happened, <name>? I hope you have a good reason for pulling me away from my work…
You try to explain the strange figure you're seeing, how it changes and distorts…
Jacinta says: That is certainly unusual. I'm not sure I'll be able to help with this sort of phenomenon, but… I suppose I can wait for your results, just to make sure. I've left Aaminah in charge for the time being, anyway.
Jacinta twirls her purple hair absentmindedly, looking away from you.
Jacinta says: Apologies for my lack of bedside manner. This isn't exactly my strong suit, and we don't really know each other. Let's hope for the best.
The two of you wait quietly. Jacinta looks relieved when the doctor arrives.
- "What are the results?"
Me: What are the results?
The doctor says: You appear to be hosting some sort of nanomachine. The fact that we can't tell what type of nanomachine it is, or how it got into your system, makes us think that it's a nanomachine from Before. That would explain… well, various things I can't talk about, I'm afraid. It also means I'll have to report it to the Consortium, and ask the both of you to keep this secret – especially you, <name>. [Jada|Jacinta] is a Consortium researcher, but you…
The doctor sighs.
The doctor says: I'm sorry I can't do more. If we find anything useful you'll be contacted, but that's as far as I can go.
The doctor looks at you apologetically and leaves the room.
If Jada is there:
Jada says: That's a tough one, <name>. It's not in my field, and my hands are tied at the moment anyway, given how the conference went down. We could always drink to your health later?
Jada pats you on the shoulder, then leaves you alone in the examination room. Before you decide what to do, you receive a call notification from your CORETECHS – it's Shinji.
If Jacinta is there:
Jacinta says: Nanotech… No, it's not something I can help with. Good luck, <name>. Hopefully they will learn something soon…
Jacinta leaves as well, and you're alone in the examination room. Before you leave, you receive a call notification from your CORETECHS – it's Shinji.
Either choice continues:
- Pick up the call.
Me: Shinji?
Shinji says: Listen, <name>, I have enough clearance to see your medical files, and – er, what I mean to say is, I may be able to help you, though I can't explain why right now. Come to my lab later.
Shinji hangs up before you can respond.
Meet Shinji in the Testing Rooms (D-com Area).
Next NPC: Shinji Kinsaka, Decommissioned Area, Cape Verde Stronghold
- Find Shinji.
You find Shinji outside his lab. He's pulled up two folding chairs, which look out of place in the austere corridor, and beckons you over.
Shinji says: Ah, <name>. Do you mind drinking this, then laying back on your chair and closing your eyes? …Er, it's going to stop your visions, I promise. I just can't explain exactly how it works.
You do as he says. At first you feel a bit tired, then you lose all sense of time and place. At some point you wake back up, slowly, and find Shinji is smiling at you.
Shinji says: Sorry about that, <name>. Treating you involved rebuilding your neural pathways, and you don't want to be awake for that. Lucky for you, the nanomachines only made small changes, otherwise it could have taken a lot longer–
He stops and clears his throat.
Shinji says: I'm sorry, I really shouldn't give you the details, for your own sake. And mine. The process I just carried out means you won't be seeing the strange figure any longer, though I haven't completely flushed the nanobots out of your system. Hopefully nothing else will come of this, and you'll be none the wiser to what happened. Hopefully.
- "I think Po was also seeing things…"
- "I just hope I don't see that… thing again."
"Po was also seeing things":
Me: I think Po was also seeing things…
Shinji says: Someone else had your symptoms? What happened?
You describe accidentally trespassing on the way to Shinji's lab, going to the brig to pay your bail, and meeting Po while you waited. Shinji's face turns red, and he covers it with his hands.
Shinji says: I really should have replied to Courtney… Ah, but what you said about Po is interesting. Perhaps the artefact he found contained these nanobots, and they spread through him to you. I'll get in touch with him, see if I can get some more samples… Oh, and cure his visions as well. I'm sure he would appreciate that.
- "I just hope I don't see that… thing again."
Me: I just hope I don't see that… thing again.
Shinji says: You know, if things get bad, you could always buy a clone and the problem would be solved! …I'm being blunt, but it's true. In fact, I could use your old body to study the nanobots… Something to consider, anyway. I know not everyone likes using clones. And some of us choose to keep afflictions for personal reasons.
He points at the large scar covering most of his face, then closes his eyes.
Shinji says: For me, it's a reminder that accidents can happen anytime. While you can hide the evidence, it doesn't erase the fact, and little is gained by pretending otherwise. It also reminds me that we're not perfect – no one is, and neither is our society.
He takes a deep breath, then looks back at you.
Shinji says: But enough about me. I imagine this is… stressful. How are you feeling?
- "I don't know how to feel."
- "I'm scared, Shinji."
- "I'm confused. Things are happening so quickly…"
- "I'm fine."
Confused:
Me: I'm confused. Things are happening so quickly…
He looks a bit taken aback by your honesty, but his face softens into a smile.
Shinji says: Of course. You have something in you that's… old and unknown and potentially dangerous. The things it showed you were disturbing. It's not something most people have to deal with, and you haven't really had time to take it all in.
I don't know:
Me: I don't know how to feel.
Shinji says: Of course. You have something in you that's… old and unknown and potentially dangerous. Your situation is certainly complicated.
All choices continue:
He waits in silence with you, until you're ready to speak.
- "Thank you for your help."
Me: Thank you for your help.
Shinji says: Oh, it's not a problem - this has been quite the opportunity for me! Speaking of which, I wouldn't want to forget…
His eyes glow as he uses his CORETECHS to transfer you some Credits.
Shinji says: I wanted to thank you for your contribution. These nanobots may prove to be invaluable – I'll have to research them and see!
You have received 1050.00 credits.
You have completed the "Down With the Sickness" mission.
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